The 2025 Spanish MotoGP at Jerez was supposed to be a showcase of two-wheeled brilliance, but it descended into a cauldron of controversy, with Valentino Rossi at the heart of the storm. Ducati’s CEO, Claudio Domenicali, delivered a blistering message to the Italian legend: “Hey Rossi, go back to WEC and race, never return to MotoGP.” The outburst came in response to Rossi’s incendiary accusations that Marc Marquez, Ducati’s star rider, was using an illegal engine during the race weekend. The drama has reignited old rivalries, polarized fans, and raised questions about Rossi’s future in the sport he once dominated.

Valentino Rossi, the nine-time world champion, has been a polarizing figure since his MotoGP retirement in 2021. Now competing in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and running his VR46 MotoGP team, Rossi remains a towering presence in the paddock. However, his comments after the Spanish GP sent shockwaves through the sport. Rossi alleged that Marquez’s Ducati Desmosedici was fitted with an engine that violated MotoGP’s technical regulations, citing “unusual power delivery” during qualifying. He demanded an investigation, claiming it gave Marquez an unfair edge over rivals like Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin.

The accusations were bold, but evidence was thin. Rossi pointed to telemetry data and “insider information” from his VR46 team, but MotoGP’s technical stewards found no irregularities after a thorough inspection. Marquez, who finished second in the race, dismissed the claims as “desperate” and “personal,” reigniting their infamous rivalry from the 2015 season. Fans on X erupted, with some hailing Rossi as a truth-teller and others branding him a sore loser stirring drama for relevance.

Claudio Domenicali, Ducati’s outspoken CEO, didn’t mince words. In a press conference, he accused Rossi of tarnishing Ducati’s reputation and undermining Marquez’s achievements. “Valentino is a legend, but this is unacceptable,” Domenicali said. “If he wants to throw stones, he should stay in WEC and leave MotoGP alone. We don’t need this chaos.” The warning was clear: Rossi’s influence in MotoGP, through his team and legacy, doesn’t grant him a free pass to make baseless claims.

Domenicali’s frustration is understandable. Ducati has dominated MotoGP in recent years, with Marquez and Bagnaia leading the charge in 2025. Any suggestion of cheating threatens the brand’s credibility and risks alienating sponsors. Moreover, Rossi’s VR46 team, which uses Ducati bikes, relies on the manufacturer’s support. Domenicali hinted that this partnership could be reevaluated if Rossi continues to “disrespect” the company. For a man who built his career on Ducati’s iconic red machines, this was a stinging rebuke.

The clash has reopened wounds from the Rossi-Marquez feud, one of MotoGP’s most bitter rivalries. Their 2015 showdown, marked by accusations of dirty tactics and a infamous clash in Malaysia, still divides fans. Rossi’s latest accusations feel like a continuation of that grudge, with Marquez as the villain in his narrative. On X, supporters of “The Doctor” argue he’s protecting the sport’s integrity, while Marquez’s fans see it as jealousy from a retired champion unable to accept a new era.

Marquez, now 32, is at the peak of his powers. His move to Ducati in 2024 revitalized his career, and he’s a frontrunner for the 2025 title. Rossi, at 46, has transitioned to a mentorship role, but his competitive fire still burns. Critics argue his comments stem from frustration at seeing Marquez thrive on a Ducati, a bike Rossi struggled to tame during his 2011-2012 stint with the team. The irony isn’t lost on fans: Rossi, once Ducati’s golden boy, is now at odds with its current superstar and leadership.

Beyond personal grudges, the controversy highlights deeper issues in MotoGP. The sport has faced scrutiny over its technical regulations, with teams pushing the boundaries of engineering to gain an edge. While Ducati’s engines are legal, the constant speculation about “grey areas” fuels distrust. Rossi’s accusations, even if unfounded, tap into this unease, amplifying calls for greater transparency in scrutineering.

Moreover, the public spat risks alienating fans. MotoGP is already battling to maintain viewership in a crowded sports market, and off-track drama could overshadow the racing. Domenicali’s call for Rossi to “never return” may be hyperbolic, but it reflects a desire to protect the sport’s image. For Rossi, the question is whether his legacy as a champion outweighs the damage caused by his words.

Rossi’s future in MotoGP is uncertain. His VR46 team is a success, nurturing talents like Marco Bezzecchi, but its reliance on Ducati puts it at risk if tensions escalate. Rossi could double down, using his influence to rally support, or he might retreat to WEC, where he’s found renewed passion behind the wheel. Either way, his accusation has ensured he remains a lightning rod for controversy.

For now, the paddock braces for the next chapter. Will Rossi apologize, or will he stand his ground? Can Ducati and Marquez maintain their focus amid the noise? As the 2025 season unfolds, one thing is clear: in MotoGP, old rivalries die hard, and Valentino Rossi is far from done making headlines.